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IlIBRARY OF CONGRESS.! 



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CLASSIC GROUND. 



FREDERICKSBURG, V A, 



AND VICINITY. 



THE HOME OF 

WASHTNGTO^^ 
MARY, THE MOTHER OF WASHINGTON, 

RICHARD HENRY LEE, 
LIGHT-HORSE HARRY LEE, 

AND 

THEIR DESCENDANTS. 



WASHINGTON CITY TO FREDERICKSBURG: 

Bj' Potomac Steamer, papsincf :Mt:. Vernon. 40 miles, . . / ^7. ., 
By Railway, . ^ . 20 " . . j' 60 miles. 



FREDERICKSBURG, Y A., 



AND YIOINITY. 



THE HOME OP 



WASIIIlSrGTO]^, 

MART, THE MOTHER OF WASHmOTOI^, 

EICHARD HENRY LEE, 

LIGHT-HORSE HARRY LEE, 



AND 



THEIR DESCENDANTS. 



3 

NEW YORK: 

UNIVEESITY PUBLISHING COMPANY, 

155-7 Crosby Street. 

1876. 

r 





INTRODUCTION. 



There will be many in Philadelphia this Centennial 
year, at the celebration of an event closely connected 
with the fame of Washington and the Lees, who will 
be interested in, and doubtless pleased to visit, the 
scenes of their birth and early homes. 

In order to show how this can be done, this pamphlet 
— descriptive of those localities, with other matter of 
special interest at this time — has been prepared, in part, 
from selected material. 

May, 1876. 

THE AUTHOR. 



COPYRIGUT, 

1876, 
BY A. BORST. 



FREDERICKSBURG, YA. 



This city is situated on the south bank of the Rap- 
pahannock River, nearly equidistant from Washington 
and Richmond, about sixty miles from each. A semi- 
weekly line of steamers ply between this place and 
Baltimore. These steamers are admirably appointed, 
both as to passenger and freight accommodations, and 
make close connections at Baltimore with coast-wise 
and trans- Atlantic lines. 

Its churches and schools are in keeping with the 
devoted zeal and munificence for which its inhabitants 
have ever been noted. Many of its citizens have claim 
to a distinguished ancestry, both of the old world and 
the new. Preserving with zealous care the ennobling 
characteristics of their progenitors, these people hold 
up to the world, in their lives and conduct, all the lofty 
estimates that mark tlie true Virginian. The destruc- 
tive calamities of the late \Yar of Secession seem to 
have brightened and strengthened these instincts. With 
fortitude that was heroic, 'and patience that was sub- 
lime, the people of this war-scarred old town, after the 
game was phiyed and lost, began straightway to rebuild 
their shattered fortunes. Commercial and industrial 
activities have resumed their wonted sway. The Uirge 
and productive area, of which Fredericksburg is the 
central point, contributes very largely to her trade in- 
terests. The various products of this region find here 
an excellent market and shipping point. Several large 
mills and manufacturing establishments are in opera- 
tion here, and there are strong inducements to increase 
their number, and to diversify their character. 

The following statements, prepared by gentlemen of 
the highest character, who command the best sources 
of information, bear upon this point. They relate of 
the Water-Power awaiting development : 



"We regard this as an element of power destined to 
add wealth, population and industrial enterprises — as 
our winters are short, our water fountains pure, and 
our climate propitious. 

Just above our city (aiul only the year previous to 
the war) a most substantial and durable dam was built 
across the Rappahannock River, embracing all of its 
power. Mr. John Chase, of Holyoke, Mass., the cele- 
brated constructor of dams, was the architect. The 
material facts of this power are appended: 

Length of dam, 900 feet. 
Height, 18 " 

Fall, 48 '^ 2 inches. 

Force of power, 4,000 horse. 
Applied, " 400 " 

Unapplied " 3,600 '' 

A canal leading from the dam makes a circuit around 
the outskirts of our city, and along almost its entire 
length. The country affords as desirable sites for mills 
and factories as are to be found anywhere in the world. 
The company owning will sell or lease power upon very 
reasonable terms, and offer great inducements to man- 
ufacturers. Lots, suitable for mill or manufacturing 
sites, can be purchased at from $500 to $2,000 each. 
The water-power here is said to equal that of Lowell, 
Mass. 

The counties adjacent to our cities have numbers of 
small streams running through them, which afford 
power of from 10 to 60 horse. 

Pursuing another branch of the subject — the re- 
sources of this region — these gentlemen briefly state 
the inducements offered by the country adjacent in the 
way of Mining Lands : 

There are gold-bearing localities in Virginia, which, 
if not equal to those of California at present, are des- 
tined to be of great importance in years to come. Gold 
ore (the quartz rock) and surface washings are impor- 



tant features in tliis immediate section. There are not 
less than seven gold mines in operation — some of them 
very successfully — within an area of fifteen miles of 
Fredericksburg. Astonishing developments have re- 
cently been made in Iron Ore in this county, at points 
where none was supposed to exist. Unmistakable evi- 
dences of this ore are apparent in many parts of the 
surrounding country. Lead is found in the State, but 
none in this immediate vicinity. Veins of rich copper 
are found in counties adjacent. 

Tungsten, Tellerium and Titanium are metals occu- 
pying the attention of manufacturers of iron and steel. 
We are told by scientific men that all these are found 
in Virginia — the last in considerable quantities in the 
Piedmont section. The time will surely come when 
enterprise, will open up these rich stores of valuable 
metal, lying as dead capital beneath the hills and 
mountains of our favored State. 

A large number of landed proprietors in the counties 
near Fredericksburg have organized an immigration 
society for the purpose of issuing authentic informa- 
tion, upon which the immigrant and the land-buyer 
can implicitly rely. After giving a clear and concise 
statement of the advantages claimed, these gentlemen 
invite prospecting parties to visit the lands and ex- 
amine them in person. 

It is a noteworthy feature of their plan, that the 
land-buyer and the land-owner are to be brought face 
to ftice through the mediation of the Secretary. 

This Society sent a large delegation to New York 
City in September last, for the purpose of conferring 
with those there — and mediately, through the press, 
elsewhere — interested in immigration. The large at- 
tendance from various States, the full and free inter- 
change of views had there, and other features of this 
conference, as given to the country through the cour- 
tesy of the press of this country and Europe, gave a 
deserved prominence to this new departure in the cause 
of immigration. Numbers have been thereby induced 



6 

to inspect, and then to purchase, lands in that portion 
of Virginia ; and many, we are advised, both from 
Europe and the States, propose atrip from Philadelpliia 
to tliat region during the Centennial. 

A fitting salutation to the prospective land-buyer is to 
be found in the following Circular of the Rappahannock 
and Potomac Immigration Society, which we produce 
in full as the aptest and briefest resume of points perti- 
nent to the matter in hand : 



In presenting the inducements offered by that portion 
of Virginia, bordering on the Eappahannock and 
Potomac Rivers, we have a twofold purpose in view. 

We earnestly desire good people to settle in our midst 
for their benefit as well as our own. 

Investments in these lands guarantee to the skilled 
f\T;rmer annual returns rarely exceeded in agricul- 
ture. 

Persons desiring a safe investment cannot do better 
than to purchase these lands to be cultivated, if they 
prefer, by tenants or managers of their own section, 
thus making a secure investment Avith the prospect of a 
good return. 

We have small tracts of productive land, with and 
without improvements, and large tracts that can be 
di vided. 

These lands can be purchased in j^arcels of from fifty 
to five hundred acres at from five to thirty dollars per 
acre ; part cash, and the remainder on credit, if the 
purchaser desires. 

AVith two hands, at from five to ten dollars per month, 
and two horses, our farmers cultivate from thirty to 
forty acres in corn, with other successive crops through 
the year. 

Owing to superior transportation facilities, grain can 
be delivered in our markets at a cost per bushel of four 
to six cents. 

Thei-e is an excellent opportunity here to diversify 
crops. 



Fruits of many varieties, grapes, broom-corn and 

tobacco can be cultivated bere witb success. 

Tbe rivers and tbeir tributaries abound in fish, 

oysters and water fowls ; each estate has a landing on 

or near it- 
Farm products can be shipped from these landings 

to the markets of the world by vessel, or by steamers 

connecting with other lines. 

We have good society, good schools and churches. 
We sincerely liope you will form excursion parties 

and visit this section, that you may see and judge for 

yourselves. 

Good rates can be secured for excursion parties be- 
tween points North and West, and Fredericksburg. 

A book will be kept at the office of the Secretary in 
Fredericksburg, wliich will contain a full and accurate 
description of all such lands of the Society as are for 
sale. 

The water power of Fredericksburg affords manufac- 
turing facilities that are rarely equalled. 

Of this Society General Fitzhugh Lee, Richland, 
Stafford County, Virginia, is President; Mr. Charles 
Mason, Edge Hill, King George County, Vice-Presi- 
dent ; and Mr. Addison Borst, Fredericksburg, Secre- 
tary. These officers are assisted by an Advisory Board, 
comprising eleven members, who represent the coun- 
ties connected with the Society. 

There are but few localities of interest in Virginia 
that have not been made the subjects, at different times, 
of pen or pencil sketches. Artists run mad over the 
unsnrpassed grandeur of her mountain scenery; 
speculators over the boundless mineral wealth that lies 
buried within her bosom ; and the world is in love with 
the matcliless bonhommie of her people. 

No portion of Virginia deserving notice has received 
less than that bounded by the Potomac and Rappahan- 
nock Rivers, known as the Northern Neck. Considered 
with reference to its natural advantages^ this section 



may justly claim more than ordinary prominence. Its 
inhabitants are greatly blessed in having a soil remark- 
able for its fertility, and in having two rivers, with their 
numerous tributaries, affording the amjilest means of 
water transportation, and in unfailing supplies of fish, 
oysters, and wild game. These features, though highly 
valued, are far from constituting the chief attraction 
of the J^orthern Neck. What gave it a distinctive 
character was the renown of its people. 

It may well be called "The Attica of America," for it 
was the birthplace and* nursery of heroes and states- 
men whose memories will be cherished with undying 
devotion on both continents. 

It was here the christian soldier and unselfish patriot, 
Washington, was born. Here also were born some of 
the most illnstrious of the name of Lee, including the 
well-known Light Horse Harry. Mr. Monroe, of whom 
many early anecdotes are related, was born and began 
his public career here. 

Among the early settlers in this part of Virginia, was 
Thomtis Fairfax, a grandson of Lord Cnlpeper. William 
Fairfax, one of his descendants, lived near Mt. Vernon, 
and was a cherished friend of Wasliington. A large 
grant was made by Charles II. to Henry Corbin, embrac- 
ing Westmoreland and several other counties. The 
original grant is now at Peckatone, in Westmoreland, 
the family seat of the late Hon. William Taliaferro, 
whose wife was a Miss Turberville, and belonged to a 
branch of the Corbin family. This vast area of landed 
propert}^, which was acquired by the early settlers un- 
der a royal patent, passed into the hands of their de- 
scendants and of those who intermarried among them. 
These ftimilies have had many distinguished represent- 
atives in the civil and military departments of the 
government. 

Descended from an ancestry whose annals are re- 
splendent with the lustre of heroic achievements on the 
field, and with the high prestige of distinction in the 
council, the people of the Northern Neck have been 
charged with the fond care of family position, and the 



anxious gnardiansliip of that priceless inlieritance — a 
spotless name. 

The high character of tlie present generation fully 
attests the fidelity with which rhey have discharged the 
grave duties inseparable from their birth. The elegant 
simplicity of their deportment, the refinement of their 
social intercourse, and the high tone which marks their 
business relations, embody the unfailing characteristics 
of a lineage without reproach. 

Nearly all the representatives of those early days have 
passed away. It is a rare pleasure to- meet one of them, 
and to observe the pardonable loquacity with which 
they dwell npou the fondly-remembered scenes of the 
olden times, and the amiable tyranny with which they 
exact the nnqnalified homage, while commiserating the 
forlorn fate of those who have not shared with them 
the glories of an earlier period. 

The residences and surroundings that dotted tlie 
banks of the two rivers — the lateral boundaries of this 
modern Mesopotamia — were suited to tlie magnificent 
estates which they fitly adorned. Within and without 
were all the appointments befitting the claims of their 
owners, and the unbounded hospitality which consti- 
tuted their favorite delight. In one respect the scene 
is now quite changed. These estates and their owners 
have lost a great deal of their wealth ; but war, pesti- 
lence, and famine cannot deprive the owners of that 
innate principle which prompts the performance of hos- 
pitable rites, and which is viewed as no inconsiderable 
part of their birthright. But few of the old residences 
remain. 

Stratford, the home of the Lees, is in Westmoreland. 
The old Stratford House, which was destroyed by fire, 
was rebuilt by Thomas Lee, with funds presented to 
him by Queen Caroline, of England. This immense 
structure and its distinguished proprietors Avill be 
more fully noticed upon a later page. 

Wakefield, the birthplace and boyhood home of 
Washington, is sitnated between the Potomac and 
Rappahannock Rivers, on Pope's Creek, in Westmore- 



10 

land, which stream takes its name from his grandmother, 
who was a Miss Pope. For several years the estate was 
in tlie possession of a Mr. Gray ; his son remained there 
until his death, which was about forty years ago. The 
latter — if we may indulge in a rambling digression a 
moment — married a Miss Catharine Willis, who was 
Avidely known as one of the greatest beauties of that 
day. After his death, his widow married Colonel Mu- 
rat, a son of the hero-marshal, and nephew of tiie First 
Napoleon. Many anecdotes are related concerning 
Murat and his sojourn ii> the Northern Neck, which, 
however, we have not space to give here. The spot is 
interesting, not only from its historical associations, 
but for its natural beauties. It commands a view of 
the Maryland shore, and of the Potomac and its course 
for many miles. The house was a single-storied, low- 
pitched frame building, with four rooms on the first 
floor, and an enormous chimney on the outside at each 
end. A stone slab marks the spot, and bears this sim- 
ple inscription : " Here, on the 11th of February, 
(0. S.), 1732, George Washington was born." The 
slab ha.s been broken but is still there. It was ob- 
tained in one of the interior counties of Virginia, and 
carried on a vessel to a point on the Potomac, not far 
distant from Wakefield. "Well do I remember the 
day," remarked an aged lady-friend of the writer, not 
long ago, 'Mvhen this humble tribute to the memory 
of the 'Father of his Country' was landed at Pope's 
Creek. Mr. G. W. P. Custis, a grandson of Mrs. 
AVashington, assumed the care and supervision incident 
to this labor of love." "He esteemed it an honored 
privilege," added this lady, " to aid in signalizing so 
great an event as the birth of this noble patriot." Mr. 
Samuel Lewis, a great-nephew of Washington, of 
Marmion, in King George County, and Mr. William 
Fitzhugh, of Eagle's Nest, in the same county, aided 
Mr. Custis in moving the slab to its destination. An 
aged female servant belonging to the Washington fam- 
ily, pointed out, several years ago, the room — or, rather, 
the hearth of the room — in which the great actor, des- 



11 

tined to play so important a part in the drama of 
American Revolution, was ushered upon the stage of 
life. The Wakefield estate is now in the possession of 
a Mr. Wilson, who married a daughter of Mr. Lawrence 
Washington. Scarcely a vestige of the old Washing- 
ton mansion remains, save the chimney and a few bro- 
ken bricks that lie scattered around it. 



ANECDOTES OF WASHmOTOK 

The self-possession, personal courage, and great firm- 
ness of Gen. Washington are illustrated by a great 
many anecdotes, given in the various biographies of 
the man, and histories of his times. 

The following circumstance, pointing in the direc- 
tion indicated, is related by the late Judge Lomax: 

AVhilst attending the service at St. G-eorge's Church, 
in Fredericksburg, a loud noise was heard by the whole 
congregation, and the cry arose that the walls were 
crackinsr and the roof was about to fall in. Washinsf- 
ton occupied a seat m a middle pew, one of the most 
exposed in the building. An unusual crowd was in 
attendance. The consternation was great, and a panic 
seized the audience. Men lost their presence of mind, 
and women and children screamed with fright, and a 
pell-mell rush and scramble were made for the doors 
and windows. The agony of suspense and fright 
lasted but a few moments, when it was ascertained that 
the crashing uoise that started the alarm proceeded 
from some trifling cause, and that there was no dan- 
ger. The panic suddenly subsided, and the people 
returned to their seats ashamed at their fright. But 
during the whole tumult and terror, Washington sat 
calm and unmoved, evincing neither alarm nor confu- 
sion. The services were concluded in order, after the 
startling interruption. The coolness displayed by 
Washington did much to arrest the panic at the mo- 
ment, and was long tiie theme of admiring comment 



12 

in the community ; but the incident, so far as we are 
aware, has never before appeared in print. 

HIS SELF-POSSESSIOi!^. 

The courage and self-possession of Washington are 
showu in an anecdote rehited by Major Greorge Lewis, 
Avho was at the time — the battle of Monmouth — Cap- 
tain of Washington's Life G-uard. Just before the bat- 
tle the General, with a few of his staff, made a recon- 
noissance in person. The party rode nearer the enemies' 
lines than was intended, and their picl\ets suddenly and 
unexpectedly opened a brisk (ire upon him. The Gen- 
eral paused; but before returning he took a deliberate 
survey of the British camp with his field glass. The 
pickets kept up a very brisk and constant fire, but 
Washington continued and completed his inspection 
without hurry and without nervousness; and then 
retired deliberately with his party. Major Lewis, him- 
self a brave man and well accustomed to danger, in 
narrating the incident to his grandson, Mr. George 
Washington Lewis, of Claymont, who is our informant, 
frankly confessed that he felt some nervousness while 
the musket balls were whizzing and singing about his 
ears; and tlnit he could not resist the inclination to 
turn his head first to one side and then to the other. 
The General, observing this, said to him with something 
of sternness in his tone: " George, you take great pains 
to dodge your head in the way of a ball." 

HIS PUITCTUALITY. 

AVhile Wasliington always rendered the most exact 
obedience to all commands legitimately imposed upon 
him, he exacted the same from those who were under 
his command. The most prompt and implicit obedi- 
ence was required of all. Punctuality to time in keep- 
ing appointments was always rigidly demanded. It was 
the non-observance of this rule that led to the sharp 
reprimand administered by him to Colonel, afterwards 
General, Alexander Hamilton. Time was always pre- 
cious to him, for method and system were cardinal 



principles with him ; otherwise be never could have 
accomplished the vast amount of work he performed. 
Hamilton had appointed a certain minute to attend his 
commander on business. The time came. Washington 
waited. Hamilton arrived some minutes after the time. 
Washington, provoked at tbe delay, accosted bim ab- 
ruptly and reproved him with severity. A temporary 
alienation resulted, but this was soon removed; and no 
officer of tbe army nor citizen in civil life enjoyed 
more profoundly tbe confidence of Wasbington tban 
did Alexander Hamilton. 

THE FREN^CH AETIST. 

Wbilst Wasbington was encamped at Valley Forge, 
in tbe winter of 1778, a French artist, an enthusiastic 
admirer of the General, obtained bis permission to 
remain in camp in order to paint his portrait. The 
artist had observed and studied the lineaments of his 
face and the expression of his countenance in repose ; 
but was anxious to see tbe face when roused by passion. 
An opportunity was not long wanting. Tbe General 
had ordered bis servant to have bis horses ready for a 
ride at a certain hour. About few tbings was Wash- 
ington more particular than the grooming of his horses. 
He was the best judge of ahorse in his day; always 
selected those of highest mettle, and was a bold and 
graceful rider. On tbe occasion in question the servant 
had failed to have the borses ready in time ; and when 
they were inspected by Washington they were found 
imperfectly cleaned and some of tbe equipments out of 
order. Both the want of punctuality and tbe unseemly 
appearance of the horses were too much for tbe Gen- 
eral's amiability. He lost temper, and burst forth upon 
tbe offending Negro witb great severity, passion depicted 
in his countenance and his eyes aglow witb anger. Tbe 
Frenchman watcbed the scene with intense interest and 
admiration It was the very opportunity he had waited 
weeks to see — Washington's face in a rage. He jumped 
about in ecstasy, expressing his delight with liberal and 
characteristic gesticulation; and bis enthusiasm found 



14 

words in "Oh ! 'tis beautiful! — Oh! 'tis cfra7id I — Oh! 
'tis magnifiqite ! " The picture, which had been delayed, 
was promptly finished. 

Tliis incident, as well as the preceding, were related 
by the late Judge Lomax. 

GRAVITY UPSET. 

The natural and invariable gravity of Washington, 
amounting, as some thought, to austerity, forbade the 
approaches of familiarity, even to his most intimate 
acquaintances and friends. .Few, therefore, ever ven- 
tured to invade the atmosphere of the an gust dignity 
with which he was always surronnded. There was one 
man, however, who constituted, to some degree, an ex- 
ception; one whose genial manners and facetious con- 
versation could move tlie austerity of the Chief to some- 
thing approaching mirth. That one man was General 
Henry Lee, tlie fatlier of the late illustrious Confederate 
leader, Robert E. Lee. 

After Washington's retirement from public life to 
his loved Mount Vernon, he was often visited by his 
old comrades in arms. Among those who were fre- 
quently entertained at his hospitable board was General 
Lee. On one occasion, as was related by the late Mr. 
George Washington Parke Custis, of Arlington, who 
was present on the occasion, Mr. Lewis, already men- 
tioned, informs ns — General Lee was present at the 
dinner table with other company. Washington, usu- 
ally so unbending, was unusually silent, absorbed, no 
doubt, in grave thoughts. The dinner was moving 
heavily. The entertainer's reserve was contagious ; 
and the spirits of the company were decidedly depressed. 
Conversation languished — dragged; and something 
was necessary to break the spell. General Lee came to 
the rescue with a desperate pun; but it had the effect. 
There was sitting before the grave host, among tha 
dessert on the table, a dish of puffs — an article of food 
then very common, but now seldom prepared by house- 
wives and seen on the tables of gentlemen. Washing- 
ton, addressing Lee, asked him if he might give him a 



15 

puff. " Ah !" replied Lee, " if you had given me a ;;?a^ 
twenty years ago, I should now be prosperous and 
great!" The Father of his country could not resist 
the ludicrous combination of pan and genial compli- 
ment involved in the humorous sally, and to the 
astonishment of all, gave way to a hearty laugh. The 
spell was broken ; and the spirit of geniality and good 
cheer prevailed until the close of the liour; an hour 
beino; the usual time of a dinner at Mount Vernou in 

those days. 

AS A MASON. 

Members of the Masonic fraternity will be interested 
to know definitely Washington's connection with that 
Order. He was initiated, passed, and raised in Freder- 
icksburg (Va.) Lodge, No. 4, which facts appear in tlie 
old records of the Lodge, still preserved. The follow- 
ing entries have reference to him : 

"Nov. 4:th, 1752.— Eeceived of Mr. George Wash- 
ington for entrance, £2 3s.". 

"' March 3d, 1753. — George Washington passed Fel- 
low Craft." 

*' August 4th, 1753. — The transactions of the evening 
are : George Washington raised Master Mason." The 
officers officiating on this occasion were: Rt. Wor. 
Daniel Campbell,' W. M. ; John Neilson, S. W.; Eobert 
Halkerson, J. W. ; Alexander Wodrow, Secretary pro. 
tempore ; and William McWilliams, Treasurer." 

At the next meeting of the Lodge, which was held on 
the first of the following month, September, we find that 
Washington is reported present. His name does not ap- 
pear again on the records until January, 1755, when he 
is reported present, and foi'the last time, so far as we can 
learn from the old records. The records, which were 
saved from destruction during the war of Secession, 
run from 1752 to 1771, but were very imperfectly 
kept, and do not show many things which secretaries 
are now required to enter on minutes; such as demits, 
deatlis, suspensions, expulsions, etc. 

Thus it appears that AVashington was initiated into 



IG 

the Masonic Order before he was of age, and was admit- 
ted by a special dispensation. 

Lafayette's signature appears in the record -book, in 
connection with his visit to Fredericksbnro- Lodo-e. 

The room in which Washington was initiated into 
Masonry is not now standing. The Lodge-meetings 
were at that time hehi in a room over the Market House, 
which was sold and torn down about the beginning of 
the present century, and the Lodge mo\ed to another 
building. 

The Bible, used at the initiating, passing, and rais- 
ing of Washington, together 'with those old records, is 
kept very carefully and guarded witli very tender care 
by the Masons of to-day. The Bible is in a state of 
good preservation. It was ^^rinted in 1668, at Cam- 
bridge, by John Field, printer to the University; and 
is accordingly two hundred and eight years old. 

The X)resent W. M. of tlie Fredericksburg Lodge 
furnishes us the above points, and we have had oc- 
casion frequently to examine the Bible and to look 
over the venerable pages of the records, some of which 
are now a hundred and twenty-four years old. The 
old Market House. spoken of above was built of brick 
imported from England, many of which still exist as 
part of the building-material of a warehouse now in 
use. 



WASHINGTON'S BOYHOOD HOME. 

Opposite Fredericksburg, on the east side of the 
Rappahannock, near the river, is the Washington 
farm. A few years ji/ter his birth, his father, Augus- 
tine Washington, removed with his family from Wake- 
field to this place. Here it is that Washington spent 
his early youth ; and here, tradition says, is tlie place 
where, wlien a young man, he threw a stone across tlie 
Rappahannock, a feat that no one, it is said, has since 
succeeded in accomplishing. 



17 



KENMOEE. 

OoLOKEL Fielding Lewis, who married Elizabeth, 
a sister of Washington, lived at Fredericksburg on the 
farm where lies buried Mar}^, the mother of Washing- 
ton. This estate is — as it was then— known as Ken- 
more; and was adorned with a dwelling, magnificent 
for the times, whicli is still there. Two of the sons of 
Colonel Lewis — George and Lawrence — were of Wash- 
ington's military household, the former being a captain 
of his Life Guard, and the latter his private Secretary. 



WASHINGTON'S VISIT TO HIS MOTHER. 

The following narrative is here reproduced, inas- 
much as, although hitherto published, it touches so 
nearly the matters we have in hand. We give it in 
the words of an enthusiastic narrator: 

Accompanied by many of the French officers, and 
some of the most distinguished of the American army, 
he arrived at Fredericksburg, in Virginia, where his 
mother resided. Cannons boomed, bells pealed, and 
the people came in crowds from the city and far dis- 
tant plantations to greet the conqueror. But filial 
affection was burning intensely in the bosom of the 
chief. Eight long and eventful years had passed since 
the mother and son had met. Leaving the great 
pageant as soon as courtesy would allow, Washington 
hastened to his sister, Mrs. Lewis, and desired her to 
inform her of his arrival, and his desire to embrace 
her. When the cannons boomed, and the bells rang, 
the mother of Washington was unmoved. With all a 
Cornelia's virtues, she possessed a Cornelia's firmness. 
She was as proud of her son as was the mother of the 
Gracchi, yet she hid the feeling deep in her heart. 
She was preparing yarn for the weaver of cloth for her 
servants when the pageant entered the town, and she 
was still occupied with her toil when her honored son 
entered. 



18 

*' I am glad to see you, G-eorge. You liave altered 
considerably," were the first words of the matron. 
During the whole interview, not a syllable was spoken, 
by the mother or son, of the glorious achievements of 
his mind and hand. 

That evening a ball was given at Fredericksburg in 
honor of tlie General. It was a gay scene, for many of 
the most brilliant of tlie French officers and of the 
elite of Northern Virginia aristocracy were there. 
Washington entered with an aged woman of middle 
stature leaning upon his arm. She was dressed in a 
plain black silk gown, and upon her head was a lawn 
cap, white as snow, without lace or ruffles, and fas- 
tened with tabs under her chin. It was Mary, the 
Mother of Washin"GTOK. The French officers were 
astonished. So plain a Avoman the mother of the 
Great Leader ! They thought of the Dowager-Queen of 
France, of the brilliant Antoinette, and her high-born 
dames of the Court of Louis XVI., and could not 
comprehend the matter. At nine o'clock in the even- 
ing the honored matron, witli an air of parental 
authority, took her son by the arm, and said : ^' Come, 
George, it is time for me to be at home;" and the 
conqueror of Cornwallis left that brilliant throng for 
an hour, and escorted his mother to her humble 
dwelling. Lafayette visited her the next day, and 
with gloAving language he spoke to her of the great- 
ness of her son. 'I'lie matron's reply conveyed one of 
the wisest lessons ever uttered : " I am not surprised, 
for George was always a good boy." 



MARY. THE MOTHER OF WASHINGTON. 



The following facts relating to Washington's mother 
are gathered liere as germane to our purpose. The 
maiden name of this lady was Mary Ball, whose father, 
Colonel Ball, lived in Lancaster county, Virginia. 
The house, in which she lived many years and died, is 
still standing in Fredericksburg. It is a plain, sub- 



19 

sfcatitial, two-story clwelliDg, of the ordinary arcliitec- 
tiire, and painted white. Her son visited her fre- 
quently from the city of Washington, making the 
journey on horseback. She died in the autumn of 
1789, at the age of eighty-five years. She was buried 
in a spot selected by herself on tlie plantation of her 
son-in-law, Colonel Fielding Lewis, the spot being a 
beautiful swell, most appropriate for such use. Hard 
by — within a few steps, indeed — is a romantic ledge of 
rocks, where she had often resorted for meditation and 
self-communing. There is now over her grave a beau- 
tiful, but yet unfinished, monument. This monument 
was made, years ago, a subject of consideration in Con- 
gress; and at the time a committee visited Fredericks- 
burg for the purpose of ascertaining the probable cost 
of completing it. The monument fell through, how- 
ever, and nothing substantial was done about it. Few 
nobler characters have graced the annals of woman- 
hood. Her generous attentions to the wants of the 
poor were constant and never omitted; and while we 
would honor her for her relation to the Father of His 
Country, tradition holds her name sacred in hundreds 
of the hearts that hand down remembrance of her 
sweet charities. 



EELICS, ETC. 

There are a great many curious and interesting 
relics of the Washington, the Lee, and the Lewis famil- 
ies, in and near Fredericksburg — numerous portraits of 
these families and souvenirs of various kinds; such as 
articles of furniture, including the dinner bell used by 
Mary, the Mother of Washington. 



STRATFORD, 

THE HOME OF THE LEES. 

This fine estate is situated in AVestmoreland county, 



20 

not fVir from Fredericksburg, below. The house is 
built in the shape of an H, of bricks imported from 
England. The cross furnislies a saloon of thirty feet 
square ; and in the centre of each wing rises a cluster 
of chimneys which forms the columns of two pavilions 
connected by a balustrade. The walls are very thick. 
The style of architecture is unequalled in Virginia. Tlie 
house was built by Thomas Lee with funds presented to 
him by Queen Caroline as a mark of royal favor. The 
builder was appointed Governor, from which circum- 
stance it was sometimes called the Governor's House. 
It was here that General Eobert E. Lee was born, on 
the 19th of January, 1807, where, in his boyhood, he 
breathed an atmosphere redolent of the noblest tradi- 
tions of his native State. To call him the last of the 
cavaliers, as he has been called, may seem unjust to 
some noble survivors ; but his peerless character, as 
well as reputation, is too pure to excite invidious objec- 
tion. His life was a noble vindication of the civiliza- 
tion of his State, and on that ever memorable 12th of 
October, 1870, when his spirit passed away, the His- 
toric Muse wrote his name beside that of Washington ; 
and Virginia cherishes and reveres the valor and the 
virtues of her two great " Eebels " — as her poet, Barron 
Hope, so felicitously phrased it — and will do so always. 

Philip Ludwell, the oldest son of Thomas Lee, who 
was a member of the King's council, occupied Stratford 
after his father's death. He had two daughters, one of 
whom married Light Horse Harry Lee — General Robert 
E. Lee's father — who lived at Stratford. General Fitz- 
hugh Lee — one of Light Horse Harry's grandsons — who 
won an honored distinction in the war of Secession, 
still lives in Stafford County, above Fredericksburg a 
short distance. 

Thomas Lee, the builder of the Stratford, left five 
sons besides Philip Ludwell. Richard Henr}^, Francis 
Lightfoot and Arthur Lee were all born af Stratford. 
The world knows their fame, and will not forget it. 
The annals of American heroism and honor bear no 
name of brighter record than that of Lee ; and history 



21 

has few to name "worthier of higher place in the world's 
esteem. 



OTHER REMINISCEN^CES OF WEST- 
MORELAND. 

Before the Revolution, two brothers, Archibald and 
Alexander Campbell, came from Scotland to Virginia. 
The former was an Episcopal minister and conducted 
a school in the country, some miles below Fredericks- 
burg. It is said that Washington, Thomas Marshall — ■ 
father of the Chief-Justice — Monroe, and Madison were 
his pupils. He espoused the American cause and was 
a noted "Rebel," while his brother — the father of 
Campbell, the ^' Poet of Hope" — was loyal and returned 
to his native country. 

President Monroe was born at the head of Monroe's 
Creek, in Westmoreland county. 

Buslirod Washington also was born in this county. 
He was the favorite nephew of Washington, and was 
the devisee of Mt. Vernon. 

Pope's Creek Church stood near the birth-place of 
Waslrington. It was in this church that he was bap- 
tized and received his early religious impressions. Near 
this church lie the remains of Thomas Lee, the owner 
of Stratford, and the father of the noblest brotherhood 
of patriots that ever adorned the historyof any country, 
in anv a2:e. 

Leeds Church stood on the Rappahannock River at a 
place called Leeds. It is now a mass of ruins. This 
may be calle'd the Southern cradle of American Inde- 
pendence ; for it was here that the '• Rebels " of West- 
moreland ceuuty, under the leadership of Richard 
Henry Lee, and, before any and all others, entered 
their protest against the Stamp Act; nor would they 
allow any citizen of Westmorehmd to deal in stamps. 

Many of those old-time churches near Fredericks- 
burg are still standing, having been repaired from time 



22 

to time. They were built in the cruciform style, tlie 
architecture being, like the times in which they were 
reared, rough, but strong. The material, always the 
best, was, for the most part, imported from the mother 
country. The furniture, prayer-books. Bibles, and sil- 
ver communion service, used in these churches, are all 
objects of peculiar interest, associated as they are with 
memorable times and illustrious names. 



OLD FAMILIES. 

MERCER, TALIAFERRO, MADISOJST, FAIRFAX, CARTER, 

AIJD OTHERS. 

General Hugh Mercer ivas a native of Scotland, 
and had acted as surgeon at the battle of Culloden. He 
emigrated to Fredericksburg, Virginia, and served as 
a Captain under Washington in the pre-revolutionary 
Indian war, as well as in the Revolutionary war. He 
is noted for his heroic bearing in the battle of Princeton, 
where he was mortally wounded. Many of his de- 
scendants live in Fredericksburg, where his house is 
still standing. 

Hon. John Taliaferro lived near Fredericksburg. 
He represented the Westmoreland district in Congress 
upwards of thirty years. There are many still living 
who remember him as the Father of the House during 
the later years of his service there. 

James Madison was born at Port Conway, not far 
from Fredericksburg, somewhat below. 

There are many families living in or near Fredericks- 
burg whose ancestors were distinguished in various 
spheres of activity and usefulness. Prominent among 
these are the Spottswoods, Hunters, Masons, Taylores, 
Brookes, Corbins, Fairfaxes, and Carters. 



THE OLD DOMINION. 
In the days of Cromwell, Richard Lee, who was *' of 



the Council," and Sir William Berkeley, Governor of 
Virginia, kept the colony firm in its loyalty. Having 
failed to rednce the colony, Cromwell consented to a 
treaty wherein Virginia was styled an independent do- 
minion. 

Hence "The Old Dominion.'' 

After Cromwell's death, Richard Lee, assisted by Sir 
"William Berkeley, succeeded in getting Charles II. 
proclaimed king of England, Scotland, France, Ireland^ 
and Virginia, two years before he was restored in 
England. 

Hence the motto of the Virginia arms, En dat Vir- 
ginia quintam, which, after the union, became En dat 
Virginia quartam. 



BATTLE FIELDS. 

The battle of Fredericksburg — on the 13th of De- 
cember, 1862, between Generals Lee and Burnside — 
has left thousands of mementoes all over that city and 
surrounding country. 

The Stafford Heights, occupied by General Burn- 
side's Federal troops, are formed by a succession of 
ridges extending along the Rappahannock River, oppo- 
site Fredericksburg, wliicli is on the right or western 
bank of tlie river. 

The Lacy House — General Burnside's headquarters — 
occupies a commanding position upon the Heights. 
This building, which is one of the niost imposing in 
Virginia, has recently passed into the possession of a 
very worthy gentleman from Pennsylvania. 

Marye's Heights, Tlie Stone Wall, and The Wrenn 
House, are suggestive of stern memories to thousands 
who survive the conflict to which these localities as 
strategic points owe their prominence. 

The whole town, indeed, is battle-scarred and bullet- 
marked; although much of the ruin has been repaired. 

Chancellorsville, famed for its battle of 1863, and The 
Wilderness, for one of 1864, are substantially the same 



24 

field, which is not many miles from Fredericksburg-. 
The former of these general engagements took place on 
the 3d of May, 1863, between the armies of the Con- 
federate General Lee and tlie Federal General Hooker. 
Stonewall Jackson was mortally wonnded here while 
leading an attack npon the enemy's rear. Darkness 
coming on, the Confederate line became very mnch 
broken in its unequal advance. While returning to his 
own lines, after a hurried reconnoissance in front, 
Jackson Avas s],iot by his own men, who mistook him 
and his staff for a party of the enemy's cavalry. While 
he was being borne to the rear there occurred an exhibi- 
tion of heroic devotion that stands almost alone in 
sublimity. A terrific fire of grape and canister so con- 
fused the litter-bearers that they left their charge and 
fled to the woods. Major Leigh and his two aides — 
Captain Morrison and Lieutenant Smith — unable to 
carry the litter, lay down beside the w^ounded chief and 
tried to protect him as far as possible with their bodies. 
They all, as if by a miracle, escaped unharmed. Not 
many days after this Jackson breathed his last, at the 
residence of a Mr. Chandler, near Fredericksburg. 

The Wilderness is the name by which this same 
region is known, in the field whereon General, now 
President, Grant first measured swords with General Lee. 



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